#olta boka

[eurovision-facts]

Eurovision Fact #500:

Albania's 2008 representative Olta Boka was the youngest person to represent the nation at just 16 years of age.

[Source]

Participants of Belgrade 2008: Olta Boka, Eurovision.tv.

[balkanballad]

tumblr search is horrible but I want to bring these songs back because they are good and I feel like we should remember them:

Zemrën E Lamë Peng by Olta Boka

[eurovisionopinions]

[thisiswhatisee-welcometorealiti]

[beyondeurovision]

OLTA BOKA - ANNA (2011) (ALBANIA)

[everyeurovisionsong]

Albania 2008

'Zemrën e lamë peng' (Hearts trapped in time), performed by Olta Boka. Composer: Adrian Hila. Lyrics: Pandi Laço.

As the title implies, Olta Boka's song for Albania does feel like a song trapped in time. It's a traditional ballad, with a rich sound that allows the lead vocals to explore the emotional layers of the song. Look back over Eurovisions of yesteryear (as we are doing here) and you'll find many examples of this genre. 'Zemrën e lamë peng' is a worthy addition to that canon.

A gentle start lays down the motifs of the song, before Boka takes control of the song. From the sense of an explosive departure after the introduction to the mix of aggression and vulnerability, she delivers everything promised. Switching between those two fabrics is a key weapon of the balladeer. Crack that live on the night and you'll have a great Eurovision song.

This older style of song is one that Albania loves to present in their annual Festivali I Këngës contest. Sometimes the remixing for Eurovision damages a song, but here it magnifies the power without diluting the song's essence.

Semi final - Points: 67. Placing: 9th. Grand final - Points: 55. Placing: 16th.

[oximated-warrior]

How have I lived my life without knowing that this perfect cover exists.